Great American Smokeout Set for November 17

Town Times (Middlefield, CT): On Thursday, Nov. 17, millions of smokers will take part in the American Cancer Society’s 29th annual Great American Smokeout. For nearly three decades, the Society has designated the third Thursday of each November as a day for smokers nationwide to unite and kick the deadly habit of smoking. More than 45 million Americans are addicted to tobacco; roughly one in four adults and one in five teenagers in the United States are current smokers. Unless efforts to help them beat their addiction are substantially increased, 10 to 20 million current smokers will die from tobacco-related diseases. Quitting isn’t easy. Tobacco dependence is comparable in severity to dependence caused by opiates, such as heroin, amphetamines and cocaine. Fortunately, smokers now have a variety of medications and treatments they can use to help them stop smoking. Smokers can also combine their use of medication by seeking counseling from their physician, pharmacist or a telephone quitline — clinically proven, free, telephone-based counseling. For a quitline near you call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.